Activities

Bright with possibilities, Akaroa has an abundance of activities to fill your day.

Black Cat Cruises, Swimming With Dolphins

Black Cat Cruises Swimming With Dolphins experience is New Zealand’s original dolphin swimming encounter. There fantastic team are highly experienced and this eco-tour has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten marine mammal activities in the world, as well as being voted the number 1 bucket list activity in New Zealand by travellers.

Hector’s dolphins are only found here in New Zealand, and they are the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. We only allow a maximum of 12 swimmers per trip to ensure you have a personalised experience and up close encounter.

We see Hector’s dolphins on 98% of their trips. Due to the high success rate they offer a two tier ‘dolphin guarantee’ policy. As a leading eco-tourism operator we interact with these on their terms. We also advocate, educate, support and fund research into the Hector’s dolphins so by choosing to come out with us you are helping to support and protect these wonderful marine mammals.

Recognised as New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator, they are also the only operator in Akaroa who are awarded with the industry Qualmark Gold certificate. Please say this instead of the final sentence of being a finalist.  


Pre-booking is highly recommended. 

For ALL Black Cat Specials, click here.

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Akaroa Lavender

Kia Ora and welcome to Akaroa Lavender, located on the slopes of an ancient volcano in Akaroa Harbour, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Join Malcolm and Lyn in their journey of on-farm sustainability that has taken over 35 years.

Choose to stay in a range of exclusive accommodation, experience lavender fields, Arataki (guided) walks, kaitiakitanga (conservation) and outstanding manaakitanga (hospitality).

This is your chance to take a deep breath, walk through regenerating forest and rolling hills, and soak in the scent of lavender - all while enjoying breathtaking views over Akaroa harbour.

For the summer of 2024 please phone in advance, there is no charge for viewing. The road is not suitable for campervans, ring us for alternatives.

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Akaroa Dolphins | Harbour Nature Cruises

Akaroa Dolphins | Harbour Nature Cruises

Step into a world of wonder and adventure with Akaroa Dolphins the 100% locally-owned and operated family business. Embark on a luxurious 2-hour cruise around Akaroa Harbour and be swept away by the beauty of New Zealand's natural scenery. Meet the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins, the Hector's dolphins, and watch in awe as they swim alongside the boat. Located in a prime habitat, our tours offer a high success rate for sightings of Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. With our commitment to conservation, we do not swim with the dolphins. From our friendly check-in team to our expert skippers and knowledgeable onboard guides,you will feel welcomed and comfortable every step of the way. And let's not forget our amazing dolphin-spotting dogs, equipped with life vests and a keen ear, who will make your encounter even more memorable.

Visit https://www.akaroadolphins.co.nz/book-now/, call +64 3 304 7866 or email us at cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz to secure your spot.

 

Hours

Our ticketing office is open daily to help you plan your adventure. During the summer, we're here to assist you from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and during the winter, our hours are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. If you need help outside of these hours, our friendly team will still be answering phone calls to assist you.

Akaroa Dolphins - A little bit about us

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Pōhatu Penguin Tours & Sea Kayaking

Pōhatu Penguin Tours & Sea Kayaking

Pōhatu Penguins is a family- owned and operated eco- tourism business with 30+ years history of advocating and helping to fund the protection of Kororā (Little Penguin) on the family farm in Pōhatu/Flea Bay. Our guides are all conservationists, friends and family - with years of working in penguin conservation, a passion for sharing their stories and a wealth of local knowledge passed down several generations.

When the Helps family first began their conservation work the penguins faced massive challenges that threatened their very existence. These challenges included predation via introduced predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats, gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Colonies around Banks Peninsula declined at an alarming rate and most disappeared altogether. Through predator trapping, monitoring, rehabilitation and immense dedication the family has stabilized the Pōhatu colony and it grew for many years to become the largest of its kind on mainland New Zealand!

In addition to their penguin conservation work the Helps family have also, for many years, protected native forests and other endemic species. Their work helped found the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project.

To this day, the Helps family continue to be leaders in conservation and have recently received the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of their work.

Their efforts continue to be funded via Pōhatu Penguins’ tours so when purchasing a tour, you have a positive input on our little Kororā.

Small group tours run from Akaroa over one of the most scenic back country roads by 4WD van to Pōhatu/ Flea Bay and Pōhatu marine reserve, a beautiful sheltered bay out on the wild south eastern corner of Banks Peninsula and home to the largest Little Penguin Colony on mainland New Zealand with over 1500 penguins breeding there.

Many tour options to see and experience this thriving Little penguin colony include Evening penguin tour, Nature tours, Sea-kayaking safaris, Hiking or a 24 hour package with a night in the middle of the colony.

Evening penguin tour:

Observe penguins in the wild on this evening adventure. A wonderful option for people who wish to take part in our monitoring program and learn more, in depth, about our conservation efforts giving you great insight into the life of a penguin.

Departure time changes due to the sunset so please get in touch (guidelines: 3 pm in winter and 7pm in summer)

Sea-kayaking safari:

Observe penguins in the wild on this evening adventure. A wonderful option for people who wish to take part in our monitoring program and learn more, in depth, about our conservation efforts giving you great insight into the life of a penguin.

Depart at 8am and 12pm (from September to April and 11.15am from May to August)

4-hour scenic Nature safari:

Join a 4WD safari to the spectacular, award winning Wildside Conservation area. Learn about the area’s rich history, native flora and fauna and Pōhatu’s unique penguin conservation program.

Depart at 12pm (from September to April and 11.15am from May to August)

2-hour nature tour:

Ideal for people on a day trip in Akaroa! This option gives you the chance to learn more about Pōhatu Penguins while still having time to explore our historic town.

Depart at 1.30pm

24-hour Pōhatu package:

Enjoy all of what Pōhatu has to offer in this 24-hour package including accommodation.

Depart at 12pm (from September to April and 11.15am from May to August)

Hike and Kayak combo:

Looking for an active day? Join us for a full day of adventure combining a morning hike through endemic ancient forest down our private walking track to Pōhatu bay and join our sea-kayaking safari in the afternoon to encounter Pōhatu marine reserve wildlife.

Depart at 8am

Watch this awesome video to check out a Pōhatu Penguin tour:

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Associations we belong too 

DOC Approved label 180     Outdoors Mark    Qualmark Gold Award Tiaki New ZealandLogo3  SMART  Sustainability tourism

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Fox II Sailing and Wildlife Cruise

Sail with dophins, see wildlife. Akaroa harbour up close on New Zealand's oldest ketch Fox II. Learn about local history & help crew if you want. With 2 wooden masts and 6 sails there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. 3 hour tour with historic narration, complementary fresh brewed coffee, tea, homemade hot chocolate and biscuits. The only boat in Akaroa with dolphin guarantee! You will see dolphins, penguins and seals (sometimes albatross), visit Cathedral Cave, see a waterfall and giant cliffs.

DOC Approved label 180               

$120 per adult, $55 for child and $320 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children. Seniors get a $10 discount and under 5 are free.
Departing Daly's Wharf 10.30am and 1.30pm.

The only boat to offer real sailing in the Pacific Ocean, not just the inner harbour.

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Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Nature Cruise

Family Pass Special

$195 for 2 adults and up to children 

Saving you up to $90. Under 5's cruise free all year regardless

Visit blackcat.co.nz/specials for more info and to book

And we offer a Hector's dolphin guarntee. *If you don't see any (2% chance) you can cruise again for free! 

Join Akaroa’s only Qualmark Gold rated operator for an eco-tourism experience on Akaroa harbour like no other. Founded and still operated by a fifth-generation Banks Peninsula local they are the longest-running nature cruise operator on the peninsula who put safety, customer experience, conservation and passion at the forefront of what they do. So step onboard the harbours largest, most spacious and stable catamaran as you cruise through the belly of an extinct volcanic crater. Your knowledgeable skipper will unfold stories from Akaroa’s significant historic past, it’s geological wonders, and it’s marine mammal inhabitants and birdlife.  Akaroa Harbour is home to the Hector’s dolphin. The world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin that’s only found on the South Island of New Zealand….along with New Zealand Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins and an abundance of coastal birdlife. Every trip is unique and personal as they operate respectfully around the nature and environment that surrounds them from volcanic Cathedral Cave, Elephant Rock and Scenery Nook, to interacting with the local wildlife on their terms.  Akaroa is the only place in the world you can encounter a Hector’s dolphin on a daily basis and so they are able to offer all of their customers a Hector’s dolphin guarantee*. Passengers numbers are also limited, and you have a 360 degree viewing platform around the whole boat, along with an upstairs viewing terrace for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Their friendly Skipper also operates an open bridge policy and welcomes you into the top cabin (and possibly even on the wheel) to experience what it’s like cruising along the waters of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes. Free tea and coffee is also provided throughout.

Black Cat Cruises are recognised as one of New Zealand’s original eco-toursim operators, and current winners of the New Zealand Tourism award for conservation. They heavily advocate for the protection of Hector’s dolphins, and work closely with the New Zealand Whale and dolphin trust to raise funds and support their work. They also operate an education programme that is free to all kiwi children. By supporting them you are helping to further support and protect these precious endangered dolphins.

 

Cruises depart daily from the main wharf 365 days a year!

For ALL Black Cat specials, click here. 

Video for cruise

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ecoSeaker -Harbour Cruises

ecoSeaker -Harbour Cruises

Harbour Cruise 2:30pm

Do you have a sense for adventure?

Then join us on our Harbour Adventure Cruise - you will not be disappointed. The scenery and wildlife here are incredible. Steve the captain & owner is a 5th generation local who knows all the secrets and special places of Akaroa Harbour. We run one 2hr Harbour Cruise per day, exclusively limited to 12 guests. Our boat is a 12.5-meter Rayglass Protector (an ex America’s Cup Chase boat & Coastguard Marine Rescue Vessel) It’s an exciting, fun, safe sea-going boat. We are 100% locally owned & operated. Highly recommended on tripadvisor.

On our boat, you are part of the environment not removed from it.

While dolphins surf under the boat you can feel the spray from their blowhole!

DOLPHIN SWIMMING  10:30AM

Come and join us on one of our small, personal tours and experience the magic of swimming with the Hectors Dolphin in Akaroa New Zealand. They are the smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins in the world. Akaroa is the only place in the world you can experience them personally in their natural habitat. We are a small local family business, 100% locally owned & operated. We run one swim tour per day exclusively limited to 12 guests, offering a longer dolphin swimming tour to maximize your experience and your value for money with a 90.5% success rate. Wetsuits, masks & snorkels are provided, hot chocolate & biscuits. Akaroa’s #1 Dolphin Swim on tripadvisor. YOU FIND US WE FIND THEM. Department of Conservation Approved.

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ecoSeaker - Dolphin Swimming

ecoSeaker - Dolphin Swimming

On our boat, you are part of the environment not removed from it.

While dolphins surf under the boat you can feel the spray from their blowhole!

DOLPHIN SWIMMING  10:30AM

Come and join us on one of our small, personal tours and experience the magic of swimming with the Hectors Dolphin in Akaroa New Zealand. They are the smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins in the world. Akaroa is the only place in the world you can experience them personally in their natural habitat. We are a small local family business, 100% locally owned & operated. We run one swim tour per day exclusively limited to 12 guests, offering a longer dolphin swimming tour to maximize your experience and your value for money with a 90.5% success rate. Wetsuits, masks & snorkels are provided, hot chocolate & biscuits. Akaroa’s #1 Dolphin Swim on tripadvisor. YOU FIND US WE FIND THEM. Department of Conservation Approved.

 

Harbour Cruise 2:30pm

Do you have a sense for adventure?

Then join us on our Harbour Adventure Cruise - you will not be disappointed. The scenery and wildlife here are incredible. Steve the captain & owner is a 5th generation local who knows all the secrets and special places of Akaroa Harbour. We run one 2hr Harbour Cruise per day, exclusively limited to 12 guests. Our boat is a 12.5-meter Rayglass Protector (an ex America’s Cup Chase boat & Coastguard Marine Rescue Vessel) It’s an exciting, fun, safe sea-going boat. We are 100% locally owned & operated. Highly recommended on tripadvisor.

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French Peak Vineyard & Accommodation

We are a small, picturesque, organic (in the process of getting our certification) vineyard in French Farm, Banks Peninsula. Visitors have told us that they love to come and stay on the vineyard because they can “escape”, enjoy an outdoor, wood fired bath (our Wagon) and have a relaxing, comfortable break in beautiful surroundings. We also have some stunning, ever changing, landscape views of hills and the sea.

We are looking to re-open our Cellar Door and Tasting Room in September 2022, when our own wine is ready. This is the first harvest under our ownership (although “French Peak” has been around for many years) so it is a very exciting time. Renan Cataliotti has been managing the vineyard for a number of years now and will happily come and introduce himself to you and tell you all about winegrowing. Our big initiatives this year are to move to cane (from spur) pruning and starting BioGro’s organic certification process. Renan has been using organic processes for years but we now want to be able to officially prove that we are practising what we are preaching.

For our accommodation we have a self-contained Barn apartment and a free standing Wagon (in the vineyard). Our Barn is spacious and modern. It sleeps 4 people and has both a lounge and dining area as well as a modern shower room and toilet. If the weather is good then there is an outdoor dining area as well as a barbecue. In the Barn there is a fridge, microwave, heating, wifi, utensils and essentials to ensure a comfortable stay.

Our Wagon is just that - a unique and very comfortable, spacious and modern Wagon, with seating areas inside and out, a shower, heating, wifi and an outdoor bath where you can sit and look at the sea, hills and our vineyard whilst drinking our award winning wine. Star gazing and relaxation are musts here!

 

During your stay you are also welcome to spend time sitting in our beautiful, landscaped gardens, wandering through our forest area with its ponds, waterfall, native New Zealand plant life and stream, play petanque and taste our wine at the Cellar Door.


We look forward to welcoming you to our little piece of paradise.

 

www.frenchpeak.co.nz - “French inspired, New Zealand born, Scottish heart”.

 

Carolyn and Simon Lints

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Akaroa's Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run

*Gift vouchers available

*School holidays special - 1 child travels for free per paying adult

*We offer a Banks Peninsula locals rate

To arrange these please email Jeff & Suzi directly:  easternbaysscenicmailrun@gmail.com

Jeff & Suzi invite you to join their rugged and remote rural mail delivery that has delighted tourists and locals alike for over 30 years.

Discover the magnificent natural beauty and isolation of the Eastern bays, valleys and coastline on this unique mail run experience.

We travel 120km weaving in and out of 10 bays from sea level to the crater rim delivering mail to 140 letterboxes to farms and settlements in the comfort of our red Rural Post Van.

Your tour includes an interesting local Postie’s commentary, a delicious homemade snack/tea/coffee break, a visit to a historic church and a short walk on beautiful Le Bons Bay beach. Plenty of photo opportunities and comfort stops.

The tour operates from Monday to Saturday, leaving opposite the old BNZ Bank in central Akaroa at 9am, and arrives back at approximately 2pm. 

Tours operate all year round. $95 per adult, $40 per child (5 to 15 years of age)


Bookings are essential as we only have 8 seats.
Please note: Saturday bookings by prior arrangement (for minimum of 4, & up to 8 passengers
email Jeff & Suzi directly: easternbaysscenicmailrun@gmail.com 

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Fishermans Bay Garden

Fishermans Bay is an idyllic garden filled with bright colours and varied textures. A series of garden areas offer differing planting themes reflecting their New Zealand setting, sitting against breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and framed by the stark beauty of the Banks Peninsula coastline.

For garden lovers or anyone wanting to see a special part of Banks Peninsula while in the Akaroa area, this garden is a must visit.

Your hosts Jill and Richard Simpson have turned this farm garden in its rugged setting into a lush combination of flower beds, natives and green lawns that still remember its traditional farm heritage.

Native birds and wildlife abound revelling in the garden and the protected native forest below.

The garden is open to visitors between October and April. Visiting hours on our website.

Bookings are possible two weeks in advance with group bookings available on request by email.

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Banks Track

Banks Track pioneered hut to hut walking over private land in NZ and is still regarded as the finest private walking track in the country. Beginning in the village of Akaroa, the Banks Track includes spectacular volcanic coastline, waterfalls, native bush, open pasture, and delightful beaches. Renowned for its charming accommodation, the Banks Track is designed to provide a special and memorable experience for the intrepid explorer and holiday-maker alike. The same route can be covered in two or three days. Online booking is available.

You can choose between the Three Day Classic Walk at $390.00 or the Two Day Hikers Option at $195.00.

Check online for availability.

Banks Track is open from October to April.

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Akaroa Winery

Akaroa Winery is a beautiful Mediterranean style venue, overlooking the stunning Akaroa inlet. Nestled in Takamatua Valley, the organic, family-owned vineyard is located on the north facing slopes of the lush hills of Banks Peninsula overlooking Takamatua Bay. We produce the highest quality grapes with every aspect of our growing and planting dedicated to the environment, using sustainable farming techniques. We believe that our fruit makes superior wines. We are focused on creating extraordinary age-worthy wines that express the unique characteristics of the fruit from Takamatua Valley. The rugged terrior of our vineyard produces wines with great intensity and finesse. Enjoy...

Akaroa Winery, situated in Takamatua valley, overlooks the beautiful local harbour. Akaroa Winery is Akaroa's first and only certified Organic Vineyard and Winery Estate. Tour the vineyard and modern wine making facility. Taste some of the many wine vintages available while touring the amazing grounds and see the "dirt to bottle" experience first hand. Complimentary Shuttle Service available.

Open daily 12pm to 4pm.
Private Tours and Tastings can be made by appointment.

Contact Allan for more information.

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Coast up Close Wildlife Adventures

Coast up Close Wildlife Adventures

Join us for a tour and explore the spectacular volcanic coastline and abundant wildlife of Akaroa Harbour. Our wildlife tour numbers are kept limited offering you a small and intimate tour taking you where others can't, with amazing views of New Zealand's wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking to our guests.

Wairiri (meaning: Angry Waters) is a characterful and comfortable boat - she is a 41 foot Kauri Launch built in 1964. 

Daily tours from 1pm to 3.30pm (boarding at 1245) - you will find us at the end of the Main Wharf in Akaroa (walk past all the blue buildings).

For bookings  call  Tony on 021 228 8091 or Mafi on 027 411 0369

 

Prices: Adults $92 pp, Children (3 to 15 years) $35, free for up to 3 year old.

Family deals: 2 adults and 1 child $190, 2 adults and 2 children $210

 

Social and Fishing Charters are also available. Call or email us and we can tailor a trip for you.

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The Giants House

Sculpture, mosaic garden and Gallery. "The happiest garden on earth".  A historic Akaroa house with original artworks, terraced gardens with sculptures and mosaics. Romantic secluded and quiet, but only a few minutes walk from the centre of Akaroa. Very Unique! Playful, zany, exuberant, astounding, colorful, surprising, seriously playful, unique in the world....it will make you smile.

Summer Hours
Open 11:00am - 4:00pm everyday 

Winter Hours May 1st - September 30
Open 11:00am - 3:00pm everyday

Tour of the Garden. Rate:$25 per adult, $10 per child (2-15 years). Family Concession: 2 Adults + 1 Child $57, 2 Adults + 2 Children $64, 2 Adults + 3 Children $71, 2 Adults + 4 Children $78, Students (with ID) $23, Seniors (with NZ Gold Card ID) $23.

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Akaroa Museum

Following a programme of earthquake strengthening and repair, Akaroa Museum has created three new long term exhibitions about the history of Bank Peninsula: Ngā Taenga mai Arrivals, Land & Sea, and Tales of Banks Peninsula. These have been produced in collaboration with Ōnuku rūnanga and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Open:
The Museum is open 7 days a week. 10.30am until 4pm. Entrance is FREE. 

Open:
The Museum is open 7 days a week. 10.30am until 4.30 pm. Entrance is FREE. 

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Ethels Cinema, Café & Bar

Ethels Cinema, Café and Bar is Akaroa’s twin screen movie experience featuring the latest blockbuster, foreign and arthouse films. Each cinema features plush seating with a table for your snacks, coffee or glass of wine. As well as the latest movies, Ethels offers delicious dine-in and takeaway handcrafted hot and cold food including daily baked savoury and sweet treats.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Ethels is the place to be for Akaroa's best Italian Pizza, fresh salads, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

The fully licenced bar offers boutique wines, craft beer, Vivace Espresso, t leaf T, milkshakes, ice creams, popcorn, Karma sodas and organic juices. You can dine in Ethels garden patio or settle inside for a relaxing meal.

Ethels is available for corporate events, private screenings, group bookings, Christmas functions, adult and children's birthday parties. Our in-house chef would love to cater your next function and can provide tasty finger food or a tailored sit-down dinner menu.

For the latest screening times and to book tickets online visit the Ethels website, call into the cinema or call the ticket office on 03 304 7777. We’re here to make your experience a memorable one, it's Your Place...so pop in soon.

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Walking Tracks

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula has many great walking tracks that you can enjoy for free. These vary from short hikes to all day tramps over the picturesque hills. Most of the walks have spectacular views of the Akaroa harbour once you get up into the hills above the township. Click HERE to visit the website with maps and information about walking and tramping in Akaroa or Banks Peninsula. Then click a walk number or scroll down to find out more detail. The brochures are available to purchase at the Akaroa Adventure Centre 03 304 7784.

Visit Banks Peninsula Walks here to start planning! 

Private Track: 
Banks Track is a famous coastal private walking track. Sharing our backyard since 1989.
Choose between a 3 day classic walk and a 2 day hike. 

Public Walking Access:
Special thanks go to the landowners who allow the public on their land to enjoy these walks.
Please respect their private property and thank them if you meet them. 

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Akaroa Stargazing

Akaroa Stargazing offers expert-guided celestial adventures in stunning Akaroa. Your window to the Southern skies. We invite you to explore the cosmos, witness breathtaking constellations, and create cherished memories under New Zealand's starry canopy. Discover the universe's wonders with us and experience the magic of the night sky.

To learn more and book with us: www.akaroastargazing.com

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Akaroa Nature and History Akaroa

Akaroa has FIVE of the most important historic sites in New Zealand, with a "narrative more important than Waitangi". 

You will not find these sites in any guide book, nor on any other tour. The only way to understand these incredible stories is to travel with a seventh generation local, Marie Haley. 

Marie is the #1 expert local guide, historian, ecologist and natural born storyteller. 

The Seventh Generation Reviews are all 5⭐️ : "World Class Tour", "Best Tour Ever, Anywhere", “Best Tour of Our Entire Trip”. “Remarkable”….

Incredibly Insightful Tour

“We had an incredible tour with Marie. She was very knowledgeable of Akaroa and Maori history and she provided unique insights to the land that you can't get on any other tour. I can't recommend this highly enough, this tour is a must-do in Akaroa!!!”

Contact Marie directly on www.theseventhgeneration.org

Schools, Universities and Groups Tour

Flexible Duration | 25% OFF Group Bookings PROMO: LEARN25

Group tours uncover New Zealand’s history, nature and unique ecology. We can tailor trips to your needs and fit the NZ School Curriculum. Learn about some of the most important historical events by visiting and learning about the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, Treaty of Waitangi, and Britomart Monument. Learn first-hand from a French descendant about the race-for-Akaroa and learn about the nature conservation projects and inspiring future of hope that Banks Peninsula has, directly from a conservation ecologist with decades of experience. Learn about the history and nature of New Zealand in an engaging way, so that you leave with more knowledge, a deeper sense and understanding of New Zealand and hope for the future.

Book Tour

To view all Seventh Generation tour options click here.

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Shamarra Alpaca Farm Tour Akaroa

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a place of warm hugs and postcard-perfect surroundings, welcome.


A visit to Shamarra Alpacas gives you a healthy serving of cuddles, learning, exploration and the natural therapy of the great outdoors. This is no ordinary trip to an alpaca farm. This is an interactive tour around the ultimate land of cute.

Make friends for life with our award-winning alpacas here at Shamarra Alpacas, Akaroa. Situated on the jaw-dropping panorama of the Banks Peninsula, your squeaks of delight as you cuddle one of our 170+ curious and cute critters will echo across the harbour.

A Shamarra Alpacas Farm Tour is an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with alpacas, learn about this loving animal, and create some memories with friends and family in a stunning location. You’ll find your new furry friends here in beautiful Akaroa Harbour on the slopes of an extinct volcano and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills.

Shamarra Alpacas is just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, and only a 20 minute trip from the historic seaside village of Akaroa.

We are open year round, with the scenery changing beautifully through each season and the alpacas staying cute throughout.

 

YOUR TOUR ITINERARY

  • Your tour starts with a brief introduction to alpacas and their unique and quirky habits. You will come into close contact with your new found friends, so we’ll also give a quick safety briefing with an alpaca in the barn for demonstration.
  • An award-winning alpaca fleece is on display, and you’ll get to feel the incredible cashmere-like softness of superfine alpaca whilst simultaneously learning about its amazing qualities.
  • We will then walk you through our alpaca herd where you can enjoy interacting with these gentle animals while they graze contentedly in their natural habitat. While doing so, you’ll see our sustainable farming practices first hand, and learn about how we keep our adorable alpacas safe, healthy and happy.
  • Feed the mothers with their young by their side. This provides some amazing close-up alpaca contact and great photos of the cutest of cute.
  • Take advantage of the views across Akaroa harbour which are absolutely phenomenal and provide endless photo opportunities for lasting memories of your visit to our farm.
  • At the end of your tour, enjoy a beverage and one of our famous home-baked cookies.
  • You’ll then be able to browse the Shamarra Alpaca Shop. It’s a boutique collection of luxurious, natural and 100% dye-free alpaca knitwear made in New Zealand. If you need to dash off though, you can pop onto our Online Shop at any time to pick up a one-of-a-kind sweater, or perhaps a snuggly blanket. We ship worldwide!

Tour duration: 1 hour

Tour times: 11am, 1pm, 4pm 7 days a week

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Deal - Family Pass 

The perfect family fun day out for cuddles, scenery and memories made.

Our Family Deal is only $125 for 2 adults and 2 children, essentially a free child ticket!

Family deal valid to Aug 31st.

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